There are no added sweeteners, sulfites, or preservatives of any kind in this shredded coconut, and it is one of the few certified organic shredded coconuts sold in the United States that does not contain sulfites—a chemical preservative typically used to prevent yellowing. We tried to get unsulfured coconut for years from all over the world. The problem we faced was that dried coconut produced overseas must contain sulfites in order to prevent yellowing in transit. The storage areas in cargo ships traveling from the tropics where coconut is produced get extremely hot with temperatures easily rising above 125 degrees F. Without the addition of sulfites the coconut would yellow by the time it reached port. Most coconut from overseas, therefore, contains this preservative. Even though packages may not list sulfites in the ingredients or may even claim to be “sulfite free”, they may not be. Tropics Best shredded coconut does not contain sulfites because it doesn’t need them. This coconut is made fresh daily and comes from Mexico, not overseas. It is the freshest shredded coconut on the market!